Nov 13, 2017

As Asean leaders gather for their annual summits today, China is guaranteeing "safe passage" for all nations using the South China Sea. It is also willing to work with Asean to maintain peace in the strategic waterway, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told reporters after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Danang last Saturday.

"China will continue to work with Asean countries to safeguard peace, stability and prosperity of the South China Sea region," China's Xinhua news agency cited Mr Xi telling Mr Duterte, who will chair this week's meetings.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has stepped in and offered to help settle territorial disputes in the waters. "If I can help mediate or arbitrate, please let me know," he said at a meeting with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang in Hanoi yesterday. "I am a very good mediator and a very good arbitrator."

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http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/beijing-to-work-with-asean-on-peace-in-s-china-sea